Where Is the Flag?

In 1814, when he was told by British officers that the guns of hundreds of British warships would be brought to bear upon Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor, Francis Scott Key replied in horror that there were non-combatant women and children in the fort. He was assured by the British that all the occupants had been given an out—all they needed do was lower the American flag and the bombardment would stop immediately.
The bombardment began and continued throughout the night as Key, in disbelief, watched from the deck of HMS Surprise. He carried reports of the battle to American prisoners who were held below decks. They repeatedly asked but one question: “Where is the flag?”
In the morning the flag was still there and the free and brave persons within the fort gave inspiration to Key to pen a poem: The Star Spangled Banner.
To say that the full story of this important night in our history, which I never learned in 19 years of formal American education, moved me is a deep understatement. However, in the light of current happenings, or should I say shenanigans, transpiring in our nation’s capitol, I feel the strong need to ask President Obama: Where is the flag?
An act of terror was launched upon the inhabitants of Fort McHenry all those years ago, but like the generations who would follow them, they refused to bargain with terrorists. As a direct result very many died. Their bodies, as in countless battles since, in physical fact held our flag aloft. In the morning, “by the dawn’s early light”, Key observed the battered and singed colors still flying.
Mr. President, when the Republican side of the aisle recently held the welfare of the American people hostage to their wanton demands you stated to us all that you would not bargain with terrorists. Brave enough words. Then you dishonored us all, including those dead and wounded in Fort McHenry, when you added the caveat, “Unless the hostage gets harmed.” By so doing you refused to allow us to do what so many brave Americans have done before us—sacrifice
Freedom has always been expensive and still is and Americans have always footed the bill willingly. Now you, perhaps meaning well, refuse us the opportunity.
I am afraid, very afraid, significant damage has been done. At the twilight’s last gleaming, Mr. President, we look and behold: Where is the flag?